EDUCATION
FIRST EVER JOINT WIN Qasim Mehmood (15) of Knightswood Secondary, and Derek Ralston (15) of St Mungo’s Academy, took the overall prize in the Trades House of Glasgow School Craft Award. This is the first time since the competition was established in 1990 that two pupils have shared the top award. More than 60 pupils from secondary schools across Glasgow were rewarded by the Trades House for exceptional craft work produced as part of their curricular studies. There were first prizes in a variety of categories, which included metalwork, woodwork, plastic, design & manufacture and culinary excellence. “Hundreds of submissions were reviewed before making our selection,” said Deacon Convener of the Trades of Glasgow Hamish Brodie. “The calibre has been quite exceptional once again this year, with winning pieces such as Qasim’s garden ornament and Derek’s wooden coffee table reflecting the great commitment of pupils and teachers in our Glasgow schools. Our many congratulations go to all pupils awarded prizes in our School Craft Competition.”
Derek Ralston and his award winning table with Deacon Convener Hamish Brodie and Bailie Hanif Raja.
ADVOCATES
LEFT - Deacon Convener Hamish Brodie visited Eastbank Primary with Trades House of Glasgow Collector Ruth Maltman, to officially present the Citizenship plaque and meet pupils, head teacher and staff. ABOVE LEFT - Proudly holding the Citizenship plaque with Gayle Minnis (back left), head teacher at Eastbank Primary, Deacon Convener Hamish Brodie and Depute Head Teacher Fiona Haggarty (back right) are pupils who presented to the judges (from left): Jay McCarthy, Abbie Marsden (Rebecca Responsibility), Holli-Emma McIntosh (Robin Respect), Ciara Cairney, Dylan Lockhart, Alexzander Marzouk, David Ralston (Harry Honesty) and Olivia Ralston (Fiona Fairness). ABOVE - John White was so thrilled with his school’s win that, unknown to his teachers, he emailed the Trades House requesting a photograph of the Deacon Convener to frame. Hamish went one step further, seeking him out during his visit to Eastbank to set up this special photograph with the proud 11-year-old pupil.
EASTBANK PRIMARY IS TOP FOR CITIZENSHIP Eastbank Primary School in Glasgow has been awarded the Trades House of Glasgow Citizenship Award 2014 in recognition of the great work it has achieved by engaging its pupils in school, local and wider community projects. Now in its 15th year, the award encourages and rewards good citizenship in pre-5, primary, secondary and special needs schools across the city. “The children were thrilled to receive such prestigious recognition from the Trades House of Glasgow,” said Gayle Minnis, head teacher at Eastbank Primary. “When I arrived in school following the announcement I had a large welcome party waiting to greet me - or should I say collect the beautiful Citizenship plaque, which was paraded around our playground by some very happy pupils! “At Eastbank we very much see ourselves as a family unit, working together to follow our shared school values and make a positive impact on our school, our families, our local area, our nation and our world. I am delighted that the Eastbank team’s enthusiasm and commitment has been recognised in this way. We are all as proud as punch!”
6 THE CRAFTSMAN August 2014
The judging panel included senior members of the Trades House and Glasgow City Council Education Department, who support the award. As well as the special Citizenship plaque awarded to the winning school, the judges also made commendations. At the awards ceremony held in the Trades Hall, Deacon Convener Hamish Brodie said: “We are delighted that our initiative continues to directly encourage and develop what is such an important part of the school curriculum. We believe citizenship is fundamental in preparing young people well for the future, by helping them connect with the realities of everyday life and the need for values and respect for others. “Our judges looked carefully at the contributions each school makes to the life of its local community, and we chose the winner after hearing presentations from pupils representing each of the eight finalists. While Eastbank Primary School has demonstrated citizenship at its very best, I would like to congratulate all our finalists for their high calibre of entries.”